The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management has unveiled plans to enhance the skills of caddies in anticipation of attracting more high-end tourists and boosting sports tourism on the island.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism and Hotel Management, Shirantha Peiris, emphasized the importance of equipping caddies with soft skills and cultural knowledge to cater to the needs of upscale tourists. Caddies play a crucial role in assisting golfers by carrying equipment and offering advice on the course.
With five golf courses already in the country and a growing demand for caddies, Peiris highlighted the significance of training more caddies to meet the evolving needs of the tourism sector.
Currently, Sri Lanka has approximately 40 caddies available.
Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, outlined the island's efforts to attract high-end tourists who spend $500 a day, aiming to surpass the current average daily spend of $185 to $195.
Gajabahu stressed the importance of providing diverse activities and experiences to encourage tourists to spend more during their visit.
In 2023, Sri Lanka welcomed 1.486 million tourists, and the country has set an ambitious target of attracting 2.3 million tourists in 2024.
The initiative to train caddies reflects Sri Lanka's commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and services to appeal to a broader range of travelers, thereby contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.
